Mike Gore

Michael Miles Gore (5 September 1934 – 8 January 2022) was a British-born Australian engineer, physicist, and science explainer, who worked at the Australian National University in Canberra. He was noted for being the founder of Questacon, the first interactive science centre in Australia.

Early life Gore was born in Bolton, Lancashire, on 5 September 1934. He was the only child of May Robinson and Ernest Gore, who worked as an electrical engineer. Gore attended Worsley Technical School for two years, before completing his secondary education at Bolton Senior Tech. He first graduated with a Bachelor of Science in electrical engineering.

Professional career At the conclusion of his studies, Gore was offered a post-doctoral position at Brown University for nine months, as well as the position of lecturer in physics at the Australian National University (ANU) in Canberra. Gore was appointed Acting Warden of Burton Hall in 1973 and served as Warden of Garran Hall in 1974-1975 He retired back to academia in 1999, working as an adjunct professor in science communication.

Personal life Gore was married to Joyce Klaber. 1986 Member of the Order of Australia (AM) in recognition of service to scientific education. 1992 Eureka Prize – Gore and Questacon 2006 Academy Medal, Australian Academy of Science 2015 Officer of the Order of Australia (AO) for distinguished service to science through a range of public outreach, communication and education initiatives on a national and international level, and as a mentor and role model for young scientists.

Publications Gore, Michael Miles, Interactive science centres: a world wide study (1983) Gore, MM. Interactive Science and Technology Centres. In: National Engineering Conference (1990 : Canberra, A.C.T.). 1990 National Engineering Conference of the Institution of Engineers, Australia: Government, Engineering and the Nation; Barton, ACT: Institution of Engineers, Australia, 1990: 92-96. National conference publication (Institution of Engineers, Australia); no. 90/1 Sue Stocklmayer, Michael M. Gore, C.R. Bryant (editors), Science Communication in Theory and Practice. Springer Science & Business Media, 31 December 2001, 284 pages.